Detroit TV anchor/reporter Anu Prakash explains why she's leaving WXYZ

The ever-changing Detroit TV news landscape soon will be saying goodbye to another departing reporter and anchor.

WXYZ-TV's Anu Prakash revealed on Facebook on Thursday that she's leaving her job at Channel 7.

The Emmy-winning journalist reminisced in her post about her first day in 2002 at the Southfield-based ABC affiliate, said her final day will be Feb. 28.

"I have made the decision not to re-sign another contract. It’s hard to even type those words knowing that I’ve been coming to work here for almost two decades," wrote Prakash.

"Why am I doing this? The simple answer is, it’s time. I’m eager to pursue other opportunities that will allow me to utilize my skills and talents in expanding my creative space."

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Detroit was Prakash's second TV job. She came to Channel 7 after working three years in Cincinnati.

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Born and raised in Ohio (and an Ohio State University alumna), Prakash wrote in her post about being told early on in her career that she should pursue something else because, as she put it, "There are really no Indian American journalists on TV, Anu. You should really do something else.”

According to Prakash, such discouraging words only made her more determined. "With every doubt thrown my way, my drive kicked into an even higher gear. NOBODY was going to tell me it would be impossible to accomplish. So I just had to work my tail off and make it happen. And I did."

Prakash praised her colleagues at the station and told metro Detroit viewers that "I cannot thank you enough for how you’ve welcomed me into your homes for almost 18 years."

She also posted a photo of her first WXYZ employee badge.

Prakash indicated she'll be sticking around the Detroit region, at least for now. "I hope whenever you see me around town, you’ll still stop me for that handshake, hug or selfie," she wrote.

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds: 313-222-6427 or jhinds@freepress.com.